Originally Posted by steve-o
Im stuck on this knowledge specification its in unit 302 why it is important to allow children to assess and manage risk according to their age and stage of development and how this can be done?
If anyone can point me in the right direction would be really greatful :)
A real life case study.
Many years ago when I was a new inexperienced playworker I was shocked when the manager of an open access play scheme mentioned that the children built and lit camp fires during a day out in the woods.
"How dangerous and irresponsible! How could you? What if a child had been burned? You shouldn't have allowed it!" I said.
The manager looked at me patiently and said, "Today the children learned the following:
The properties of fire
How useful fire is
How dangerous fire is
They learned that fire destroys and hurts
They learned what they need to light a fire
How to use a match
They learned to stay back from the fire, watch out for sparks, to keep loose clothing and hair away from fire.
They learned to look out for the younger children.
They learned how to put a fire out and how to keep it contained
They learned that it's best to have a bucket of water and a first aid kit 'just in case'
They learned how fire spreads
They learned how to deal with a burn (not that anyone got burned)
They learned to assess and manage risk and that it's much safer to have an adult with them when lighting fires. They learned what the Fire Service deals with (The area I worked in was THe Meadowell in North Shields - search online for 'the Meadowell Riots)
They learned to respect fire.
Finally he said, "If I'd said no it's too dangerous. Then the children would have gone away from the play scheme and lit their own fire without supervision with possible disasterous consequences. Forbidden fruit tastes best".
I came away from that conversation much humbled.
Unless playworker allow and introduce risk into play then children will nver learn to look after themselves when they become adults.
Risk assessment, looking at what might go wrong, helps the playworker avoid most accidents. I say 'most' because no one can ever remove all risks. Accidents are part of childhood. Children need the bumps and scapes as 'medals of honour'. These children will develop raised self esteem and self confidence and are more likely to have a 'Can-Do' attitude.
Remember to make play as safe as it SHOULD be not as safe as it CAN be- there is a difference honestly!
Off my soapbox and away to bed!